A bit of observation
These photos show what the sun does in the morning over 2 hours (in Spring). They also show the view the garden users will first see when they come into the garden.
An urban garden in SE4, very weedy when I took it on in May (thistles, bindweed, cleavers, green alkanet -sorry no pics of that!).
With this garden I wanted to apply the principle ‘Least effort, maximum effect’ because
a) I would only be there once a fortnight and
b) the garden users were busy in other areas, so wouldn't want a high maintenance space. This garden aims to be low maintenance but abundant-looking and productive, as well as a social space.
Existing features to work with:
Survey information
Size of garden, approx 8m x 3m, is gently sloping upwards and West-facing. It has a strip facing South that is hot and dry – mainly dominated by large shrubs though some free space to place nearer the house. Soil dries out quickly and water seems to run off. (Previous residents had decking at the back which might mean presence of creosote in soil).
However also has North-facing strip where soil stays damp.
Morello cherry thrives there and climbing plants (Honeysuckle and Jasmine) up the fence. There is also space for planting as area was mainly covered with bluebells.
Near house Clematis is draped up walls and there are pots growing herbs and flowers and one hanging basket. Contents of pots do not do well, are eaten by slugs, dug up by cats or squirrels or wither and die quickly in the heat.
With this garden I wanted to apply the principle ‘Least effort, maximum effect’ because
a) I would only be there once a fortnight and
b) the garden users were busy in other areas, so wouldn't want a high maintenance space. This garden aims to be low maintenance but abundant-looking and productive, as well as a social space.
Existing features to work with:
- Lawn
- Weed covered veg patch at back shaded by neighbour’s trees
- Patio area on level with house used for leisure and eating
- 2 small flower beds either side of steps leading up to lawn/main garden
- large shrubs and trees: Viburnum davidii, Ceanothus, Cotoneaster, Morello cherry
- Narrow path through middle of lawn to area at back where 3 compost bins live
- a Snowberry hedge screening off veg patch but creating some shade
- small water butt
- lots of large pots on patio
Survey information
Size of garden, approx 8m x 3m, is gently sloping upwards and West-facing. It has a strip facing South that is hot and dry – mainly dominated by large shrubs though some free space to place nearer the house. Soil dries out quickly and water seems to run off. (Previous residents had decking at the back which might mean presence of creosote in soil).
However also has North-facing strip where soil stays damp.
Morello cherry thrives there and climbing plants (Honeysuckle and Jasmine) up the fence. There is also space for planting as area was mainly covered with bluebells.
Near house Clematis is draped up walls and there are pots growing herbs and flowers and one hanging basket. Contents of pots do not do well, are eaten by slugs, dug up by cats or squirrels or wither and die quickly in the heat.
How did I apply Mollison’s principle ‘least effort, maximum effect?’
1. ‘good weeds, ‘ ie, thistles left under shrubs to rot down and later provide soil conditioner
2. ground cover some areas with fast growing buckwheat and also lawn mowings to conserve moisture
3. using compost available from existing compost bins as far as possible, though did have to buy shop compost for planting seeds
4. not getting too attached to what I had planted as I knew risk of no show due to irregular rain/watering and cats! having spare seeds with me to replace ones that did not germinate (Plan B)
5. flowers that look pretty and are edible – nasturtium, calendula, fuschia (berry)
6. using surpluses from other gardening activities, ie, tomato plants and seeing how they get on
7. planting alpines in pots, less need for attention
1. ‘good weeds, ‘ ie, thistles left under shrubs to rot down and later provide soil conditioner
2. ground cover some areas with fast growing buckwheat and also lawn mowings to conserve moisture
3. using compost available from existing compost bins as far as possible, though did have to buy shop compost for planting seeds
4. not getting too attached to what I had planted as I knew risk of no show due to irregular rain/watering and cats! having spare seeds with me to replace ones that did not germinate (Plan B)
5. flowers that look pretty and are edible – nasturtium, calendula, fuschia (berry)
6. using surpluses from other gardening activities, ie, tomato plants and seeing how they get on
7. planting alpines in pots, less need for attention
Clearing abundant Nigella to make space for something else. Moved strawberries to hanging basket and pots to stop them dominating.
Ideas for here, a semi shady area: Good King Henry, Lungwort, Heartsease, Parsely, Coriander, Alchemilla, Phlos Starfire and Stachys. A variety of colour and some edibles (or at least useful).
Spring 2013
Produce no waste
Using cuttings from the front garden in March to lay an access path on veg patch.
Use and value renewable resources
A good enough compost bin made from 3 or 4 pallets (I lost track after all that sawing!)
More fun with pallets.
This one is used as a border and is stuffed with surplus plants from the 'hot bed'.
This one is used as a border and is stuffed with surplus plants from the 'hot bed'.
Work with nature
This is the sunniest patch (the 'hot bed') which is good for herbs and drought tolerants. It's on a slope so the height of plants is important - don't want to obscure the view!
Ideas for this patch: Monarda, Feverfew, Red Orach, Garlic chives, Rocket, Tarragon, Evening Primrose and Fennel. Maybe necessary to incorporate sand to improve drainage.
Ideas for this patch: Monarda, Feverfew, Red Orach, Garlic chives, Rocket, Tarragon, Evening Primrose and Fennel. Maybe necessary to incorporate sand to improve drainage.
Obtain a Yield
Reliable elephant garlic plants in the veg bed. (Onions and broad beans not shown up yet)
Spring 2014
Description of above: Planting Potatoes at back, with Fuchsia cuttings as cat guard/marker. Planting rhubarb in shady area and Verbena bonariense in flower and herb bed.